Happy returns for Jones to A&M

Texas A&M's TJ Starks (2) faces Arkansas' Mason Jones (13) near the basket in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, in College Station, Texas. (Laura McKenzie/College Station Eagle via AP)

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Mason Jones is a newcomer for the University of Arkansas basketball team, but the 6-5 Jones’ sister, Jordan, was a star point guard for Texas A&M from the 2012-13 through 2015-16 seasons.

She led the SEC in assists for three consecutive seasons and her 707 rank third on the Aggies’ all-time assists list. She also was named the SEC defensive player of the year twice.

“I talked to my sister before the game and she was like, ‘Just go out and play. Just have fun,’” Jones said after the Razorbacks beat the Aggies 73-71. “When I was here, I was real fat and just hanging out on the court with my sister.”

Jones, who transferred to Arkansas this year from Connors (Okla.) State College and gradually has trimmed down from about 270 pounds to 198, said he attended 15 to 20 of his sister’s games at Texas A&M.

“It meant a little bit extra to play here,” he said. “I’m glad we got the win.”

Jones scored nine points — hitting three consecutive three-pointers — late in the game to help the Razorbacks come back from a 55-53 deficit. His three-pointer with 4:11 left put Arkansas ahead to stay at 62-59.

“Obviously, this was a big game for Mason Jones with his sister playing here,” Texas A&M Coach Billy Kennedy said. “I knew he would be a factor.”

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Bob Holt

Bob Holt is a reporter for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. A graduate of the University of Missouri, he is a member of the Football Writers Association of America, and a voter for the Heisman Trophy and AP Top 25 basketball poll. Holt has been awarded Arkansas Sportswriter of the Year twice.